Exclusive - Tony Dorigo: Chelsea must follow up Ashley Cole's contract renewal with a new deal for Frank Lampard

The England star’s deal at the west London club runs out at the end of the season and reports emerging from Stamford Bridge indicate he will not be offered an extension.

Manchester United and MLS side LA Galaxy are monitoring the 34-year-old’s situation with both prepared to offer Lampard the length of contract, believed to be two-years, that he desires.

But Dorigo, who made over 140 appearances for the Blues, insists Chelsea must keep hold of the former West Ham star.

“When you’ve got players of the calibre of Frank Lampard, who has also got great experience, to toss them aside is completely ridiculous,” he told the Weekend Sports Breakfast show.

“Not only is Lampard good enough to get in the side most of the time, and still scores goals, look at what he does around the club with the young players when they come into the team. It’s really important.

Ashley Cole is on the verge of agreeing a new contract at Chelsea and Dorgio is pleased the club’s hierarchy have seen sense, after appearing to be lax in their desire to get the deal signed.

“It’s wonderful news,” he added. “At last some sense. Ashley Cole has great experience and they had to make sure they didn’t let him go. He’s still playing at the very highest level and doing a great job for Chelsea.”

Quote:

When you’ve got players of the calibre of Frank Lampard, who has also got great experience, to toss them aside is completely ridiculous